I have a Kenmore 59658642890, freezer was defrosting inappropriately; I replaced the timer, now the condenser is frozen solid, condenser fan never comes on unless I defrost by pulling the plug. What do I replace next? The main thermostat or the thermostat on the condenser? I do remember seeing steam come off the heater at one point so I figured it must be working. Any Ideas are welcome... I'm ready to call the scrap man. Thanks, John

Seems like your defrost thermostat is intermittent. Cut the wires to it, then short them out Turn the defrost timer till the compressor stops running. If you get defrost, replace the thermostat.

Thank you sooo much for your help. I purchased the thermostat from your site and installed it the day it arrived (1-10-12) and the refrigerator is working like it was new.The rest of the story: I had called an Appliance repairman out 2 months ago and he looked at it and said he could start replacing parts and it was going to be expensive. He did not give me the impression that he was confident or competent so I paid him his $60.00 for the house call and was ready to call the junk man...then I looked on your site for the symptoms and started by replacing the defrost timer...that didn't change anything...then, still ready to call the junk man, I got on your Repair Forum and your "richappy" solved the problem with his advice in two e-mails. richappy has made John very happy!

I think I have under $60.00 into parts and shipping to save a $1200.00 refrigerator. The inexperienced repair man I called out was a rip off. I'm glad it was my backup refrigerator so I did have the time to tinker with it.

Thanks for the feedback. Your fridg is very easy to fix defrost problems, some are not.
In defense of the repair person, he may have been confused, but he should have admitted it.

Kenmore #106-61989100
Top freezer model about 10 years old in a summer cabin high in the mountains. The freezer is cycles between about 40 and 60, refrigerator not much cooler. A repairman will be very expensive. I am an engineer and can replace parts. There is a lot of clicking going on. Seems to be running all the time. I am about 1000 miles away at the moment and would like to order an assortment of parts likely to fix the problem before heading up. The unit is off 9 months/year and the house is not heated. I have Defrost Timer and Defrost Thermostat on my list so far. Please advise.

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